Expert: Dana Sear - 10/28/2009

Question
I have had natural hair for 7yrs and it is extremely dry.  
Problems I have had is that regardless of what I use or have tried it is still dry and rough, it has never been soft or managable. I have tried everything from Mane and Tail moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, Nexxus shampoo and Humectuss Conditioner, all of the motions brands, Pantene relaxed and natural (which dried my scalp and hair and made my scalp flake).  Hair grease I have used BB products to DooGro, Blue Magic, to African Pride.  Moisturizers I have tried DooGro, and a slue of oils the kind that you use to blow dry your hair with.  I trim my ends every 2mths, wash every 2 weeks my hair stays braided in cornrows mostly or twists and I blow dry my hair at least twice a month. I deep condition (sit under a dryer with the conditioner on my hair for 20mins at least twice a month) my hair is still dry, it sucks up oil every night.  Maybe I am doing something wrong, What do you suggest?

Answer
Hiya Bettina,

It sounds like you are doing everything right so the problem may be internal. Do you have dry skin as well? It may be that you need a lot more hydration starting from the inside out. Drink your water!

You also probably need professional products. None of the products you mentioned are professional. (Even though some of them consider themselves pro, they are not.)

There is a product line called DeveCurls that you might find interesting and Mizani's MoistureFusion line is simply AMAZING. You will have to do a search in your area to find the salons that carry these products but it will be worth it.

Another thing to consider is sometimes people mistake weakness or brittleness for dryness. It may be that you need protein as well as moisture. The Mizani line has both protein and moisture so you won't have to mix anything. Give that a try and drink your water.

Good luck,

dana